The Vancouver-born Dunfield joins Pacific FC on a guaranteed contract through 2027 with an option for 2028 and will officially take charge on July 5th.
“For the last decade, I’ve been working hard for this type of opportunity, and to be able to be a head coach in B.C. is huge,” said Dunfield. “I think the timing’s perfect and an opportunity to build on some incredible history at Pacific.”
Dunfield arrives on Vancouver Island with extensive experience across the Canadian game as both a player and coach. The former Canadian Men’s National Team midfielder earned 14 caps for Canada during a 17-year professional playing career that began in the youth system at Manchester City before taking him through England and Major League Soccer.
After developing in Manchester City’s academy, Dunfield went on to suit up for clubs including Bury FC, Macclesfield Town, Shrewsbury Town, Oldham Athletic, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and Toronto FC before retiring in 2015.
Since transitioning into coaching, Dunfield has spent time working with Canada Soccer’s U-20 men’s national team and within the Toronto FC Academy system, while also becoming one of the most recognizable voices in Canadian soccer through his work as an analyst and colour commentator with TSN and OneSoccer.
“We are excited to have Terry join our club and provide new energy and direction,” said Ross Marshall. “We look forward to welcoming our fans to a new chapter of Pacific under his guidance following the excitement of the world’s eyes on our sport next month.”
Dunfield believes his familiarity with the Canadian game and the current CPL landscape helped make Pacific an attractive opportunity.
“Deep down I knew this was the right fit, and I was really excited for the opportunity,” said Dunfield. “That’s the starting point, right away I just really loved the fit.”
“I look at the squad and I think it’s a group of players just itching to be challenged and pushed, and I think it’s a really good group,” he added. “The shot clock’s on us for sure this year, and I think just feeling that pressure to turn this around is going to be good for us.”
The appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for Pacific FC following the departure of former Head Coach James Merriman earlier this month.
Since joining the Canadian Premier League in 2019, Pacific FC have established themselves as one of the leading development clubs in Canadian soccer, consistently creating opportunities for young Canadian players while strengthening the pathway between grassroots, academy, and professional football on Vancouver Island.
That long-term focus on development and growth aligns closely with Dunfield’s background in academy environments and his experience working with emerging Canadian talent at both the club and national team levels.
Dunfield is currently in France with Canada’s U-20 side and will later serve as a World Cup analyst for TSN before officially joining the club in July.
In the meantime, first assistant coach Yiannis Tsalatsidis will continue serving as interim head coach through July 5 and will remain part of Dunfield’s staff moving forward.
Please join us in welcoming Terry to Pacific FC as the club enters an exciting new chapter both on and off the pitch.
Get your tickets HERE for Terry’s first match in charge on July 5th at Starlight!